Food preparation system

Abstract

In order to provide a generic system with improved user-friendliness, a food preparation system is proposed comprising at least one cooking vessel (12a) which has at least one food receiving chamber (14a) for receiving at least one foodstuff, at least one sensor unit (16a) which is provided for detecting at least one sensor parameter from the food receiving chamber (14a) and which is at least partially integrated into the cooking vessel (12a), and at least one control unit (18a) which is provided for determining at least one component of the foodstuff by means of the sensor unit (16a).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a food preparation system according to claim 1.

[0002] European patent EP 2 870 470 B1 discloses a food preparation system that includes a sensor unit. In an operating state, the sensor unit detects a sensor parameter from the food receiving area of ​​a cooking vessel. The food preparation system includes a spoon in which the sensor unit is integrated. To detect the sensor parameter, the spoon, and thus the sensor unit integrated within it, must be manually placed into the food receiving area of ​​the cooking vessel by an operator.

[0003] Documents CN 205018795 U and CN 108294569 A disclose a cooking vessel for recording the nutrient content of a foodstuff.

[0004] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic system with improved user-friendliness. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0005] A food preparation system is proposed comprising at least one cooking vessel which has at least one food receiving chamber for receiving at least one foodstuff, with at least one sensor unit which is provided for detecting at least one sensor characteristic from the food receiving chamber and which, in at least one operating state, detects in particular at least one sensor characteristic of the foodstuff, in particular located in the food receiving chamber, and which is at least partially, in particular at least to a large extent and advantageously completely integrated into the cooking vessel, and with at least one control unit which is provided for determining at least one component of the foodstuff by means of the sensor unit.

[0006] The design according to the invention allows for a particularly high level of user-friendliness. In particular, it enables optimal food preparation results, especially regardless of the operator's experience level and / or even in the case of at least one preparation method that is new and / or unfamiliar to the operator. This can lead to high operator satisfaction and / or brand loyalty. The at least partial integration of the sensor unit into the cooking vessel advantageously allows for the output of a high level of information to the operator. In particular, depending on the food component, at least one recommendation regarding at least one ingredient and / or at least one spice can be provided, especially both during and at the end of the preparation of at least one recipe.This enables optimal preparation results for the operator, especially with unfamiliar recipes where the operator has little experience. By at least partially integrating the sensor unit into the cooking vessel, continuous and / or uninterrupted detection of the sensor parameter is advantageously possible, particularly automatically and / or without requiring any action from the operator, such as placing a spoon into the food receiving area.

[0007] A "food preparation system" is understood to mean, in particular, a system that comprises at least one functional unit whose main function is the preparation of at least one foodstuff and / or at least one product, and which could, in particular, additionally comprise at least one further functional unit whose main function differs from the preparation of at least one foodstuff and / or at least one product. For example, the functional unit whose main function is, in particular, the preparation of at least one foodstuff and / or at least one product could be a cooking appliance and advantageously a cooktop. Alternatively or additionally, the functional unit whose main function is, in particular, the preparation of at least one foodstuff and / or at least one product could, in particular, be part of a cooking appliance and advantageously a cooktop.In at least one operating state, the functional unit heats and / or warms and / or cooks, in particular at least one foodstuff and / or at least one product, specifically for the purpose of preparing the foodstuff and / or the product.

[0008] In particular, the functional unit performs at least one main cooking appliance function and advantageously at least one main hob function in at least one operating state.

[0009] In particular, the functional unit is part of a cooking appliance and advantageously of a cooktop, and performs, in at least one operating state, at least one main cooking appliance function of the cooking appliance and advantageously at least one main cooktop function of the cooktop. The functional unit could, for example, perform at least one heating function and / or at least one cooking function and / or at least one cooking function in at least one operating state.

[0010] The additional functional unit, whose main function differs in particular from the preparation of at least one foodstuff and / or at least one product, could, for example, be at least partially integrated into at least one mobile device and / or at least one household appliance, in particular at least one refrigeration device and / or at least one scaling device and / or at least one processing device and / or at least one treatment device. The scaling device could, in particular, be a scale, especially a kitchen scale. The processing device could, in particular, be a kneading machine and / or a dough mixer and / or a mixing machine.

[0011] The additional functional unit could, for example, perform at least one cooling function and / or at least one freezing function and / or at least one processing function and / or at least one treatment function and / or at least one scaling function and / or at least one cleaning function and / or at least one drying function in at least one operating state.

[0012] In particular, the food preparation system comprises at least one cooking appliance and advantageously at least one cooking surface. The cooking vessel is designed to be heated by the cooking appliance and / or the cooking surface. Specifically, the cooking appliance and / or the cooking surface is designed to heat the cooking vessel, particularly regardless of the cooking vessel's position on the cooking appliance and / or the cooking surface.

[0013] The cooking vessel is specifically designed for placement on the cooktop, and in particular at any position on a cooking surface of the cooktop. Specifically, the cooking vessel has at least one base body which at least partially defines the food holding area.

[0014] The cooking vessel has, in particular, at least one lid, which is specifically associated with the cooking vessel body and which, in particular, at least partially delimits the food receiving area in at least one operating state. In at least one operating state, the cooking vessel, in particular the cooking vessel body and the lid associated with the cooking vessel body, delimits the food receiving area, in particular at least to a large extent, advantageously at least substantially, and most advantageously completely.

[0015] The phrase "at least partially" defining an object, in particular the cooking vessel, advantageously the cooking vessel body and / or the cooking vessel lid, is to be understood in particular as meaning that the object defines the food intake space alone or together with at least one other object, in particular the cooking vessel lid and / or the cooking vessel body. "At least to a large extent" is to be understood in particular as meaning a proportion, in particular a mass proportion and / or a volume proportion and / or a proportion of a number, of at least 70%, in particular at least 80%, advantageously at least 90%, and preferably at least 95%.

[0016] The foodstuff, particularly located in the food intake chamber, could, for example, comprise at least one solid. Preferably, the foodstuff, particularly located in the food intake chamber, comprises at least one fluid and is, in particular, at least partially and advantageously at least to a large extent, formed as a fluid, and is, in particular, at least partially and advantageously at least to a large extent, in a fluid state.The phrase "the foodstuff is formed at least partially" as at least one fluid is to be understood in particular as meaning that the foodstuff is formed as at least one fluid to a proportion of at least 50%, in particular at least 60%, advantageously at least 70%, particularly advantageously at least 80%, preferably at least 90% and particularly preferably at least 95%.

[0017] A "sensor unit" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a unit which has at least one detector for detecting at least one sensor parameter, in particular the sensor parameter itself, and which is specifically designed to output a value characterizing the sensor parameter, wherein the sensor parameter is advantageously a physical and / or chemical quantity. For example, the sensor unit could actively detect the sensor parameter in at least one operating state, in particular by generating and transmitting a measurement signal, in particular an electrical and / or optical measurement signal. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit could passively detect the sensor parameter in at least one operating state, in particular by detecting at least one change in the properties of at least one sensor component and / or the detector.Advantageously, the sensor unit is designed to detect at least one sensor characteristic of the food, in particular located in the food intake area, and detects at least one sensor characteristic of the food, in particular located in the food intake area, in at least one operating state.

[0018] The sensor parameter differs significantly from pressure, particularly within the food intake area. Specifically, the sensor parameter is a characteristic parameter of the food.

[0019] The phrase "at least partially" integrated into the cooking vessel" means, in particular, that the sensor unit has at least one detection point and / or at least one sensor area and / or at least one communication unit and / or at least one detector, which is integrated into the cooking vessel. Specifically, the sensor unit could, in addition to the detection point and / or the sensor area and / or the communication unit and / or the detector, have at least one sensor element that could be located outside the cooking vessel. This sensor element could, for example, have at least one further detection point and / or at least one further sensor area and / or at least one further detector and / or at least one further communication unit.

[0020] The term "control unit" shall be understood to mean, in particular, an electronic unit which is preferably designed to control and / or regulate at least the sensor unit. The control unit could, for example, be at least partially integrated into a control and / or regulation unit of at least one household appliance, in particular a cooking appliance and advantageously a cooktop, and in particular be designed to control and / or regulate at least one functional unit of the household appliance, in particular a cooking appliance and advantageously a cooktop, which could be designed, in particular, to perform at least one main function of the household appliance, in particular at least one main function of the cooking appliance, and advantageously at least one main function of the cooktop.In particular, the control unit has a computing unit and, in addition to the computing unit, a storage unit with a control and / or regulation program stored therein, which is intended to be executed by the computing unit.

[0021] In particular, the control unit detects the sensor parameter in at least one operating state using the sensor unit. The control unit and the sensor unit are designed for communication, especially wireless communication. Specifically, the sensor unit has at least one communication unit for communication with the control unit. In particular, the control unit could be at least partially integrated into the cooking appliance, especially the cooktop, and / or into at least one mobile device, especially the food preparation system.

[0022] The phrase "the control unit detects the sensor parameter by means of the sensor unit" is intended to mean, in particular, that the control unit activates the sensor unit to detect the sensor parameter and, specifically, transmits at least one command to the sensor unit to detect the sensor parameter. Specifically, the control unit determines the component of the food based on the sensor parameter detected, in particular by the sensor unit. Specifically, the control unit performs at least one arithmetic operation to determine the component of the food.

[0023] The food component differs in particular from a pressure, especially within the food intake space. Specifically, the food component is a component that characterizes the food and / or, in particular, is part of a composition of the food, especially a chemical one. The food component could, for example, comprise at least one atom and / or at least one atomic composition and / or at least one molecule and / or at least one molecular subcomposition and / or at least one flavor component of the food.

[0024] The term "intended" should be understood to mean specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0025] For example, the sensor unit could be located at least partially within the food intake chamber and, in particular, comprise at least one sensor element and / or at least one detector, which could be located within the food intake chamber. The sensor unit comprises at least one sensor surface that delimits the food intake chamber at least section by section, and in particular section by section. A "sensor surface" is understood to mean, in particular, a surface of at least one element of the sensor unit, by means of which the sensor unit is provided, in particular, for detecting the sensor characteristic, and / or through which the sensor unit is provided, in particular, for detecting the sensor characteristic.For example, the element forming and / or defining the sensor surface could consist at least largely of at least one transparent material and, in particular, be at least substantially and advantageously transparent. The element forming and / or defining the sensor surface could, for example, consist at least largely of plastic and / or advantageously of glass. Alternatively or additionally, the element forming and / or defining the sensor surface could, in particular, have at least one electrode, and / or be configured as an electrode, and in particular as a sensor electrode. A "sensor electrode" is understood to mean, in particular, at least one detector of the sensor unit, which is arranged, in particular, in electrically conductive contact with the food located in the food intake chamber and is intended, in particular, for detecting the sensor parameter.The phrase "the sensor surface limits the food intake space at least in sections" is intended to mean, in particular, that the sensor surface limits at least one section of the food intake space and, in particular, defines and / or forms at least one sub-area and / or at least one section of at least one wall limiting the food intake space.

[0026] The sensor area, together with at least one wall of the cooking vessel, and advantageously additionally with at least one further sensor area of ​​the sensor unit, defines the food intake area. The sensor unit could, for example, have at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least four, particularly advantageously at least five, preferably at least eight, and most preferably a plurality of sensor areas. This allows, in particular, a compact design to be achieved while simultaneously providing optimal detection results, thereby enabling, in particular, a high level of user-friendliness and / or a high-quality cooking appliance, especially a cooktop.

[0027] Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit be designed to detect at least one specific atom of the foodstuff using the sensor unit. For example, in at least one operating state, the control unit could detect at least one, in particular a single, atom and / or at least one, in particular a single, group of atoms of the foodstuff using the sensor unit. Alternatively or additionally, in at least one operating state, the control unit could detect at least one atomic composition and / or at least one molecule and / or at least one molecular subcomposition and / or at least one class of substances of the foodstuff using the sensor unit. For example, in at least one operating state, the control unit could detect, in particular, a proportion of salt and / or glucose and / or ethanol of the foodstuff using the sensor unit.This allows for a high detection resolution, which in particular enables high-quality and / or accurate detection of the sensor parameter.

[0028] The control unit is designed to detect at least one specific flavor component of the food using the sensor unit. A "flavor component" of the food is understood to mean, in particular, at least one component of at least one taste. For example, the flavor component could be described as "sweet" and / or "sour" and / or "bitter" and / or "salty" and / or "unami" and, in particular, be a sensory expression, especially during food consumption. The flavor component could, for example, be defined and / or formed by at least one atom of the food and / or by at least one molecule of the food and / or by at least a mixture of at least one atom of the food and at least one molecule of the food. Advantageously, the flavor component is defined and / or formed by at least a mixture of atoms and / or molecules.In at least one operating state, the control unit determines, in particular, the flavor component of the food and / or at least one flavor of the food based on at least one atom of the food and / or at least one molecule of the food and / or at least a mixture of at least one atom of the food and at least one molecule of the food. This allows, in particular, a low risk of incorrect seasoning of the food and / or the preparation of at least one food product that meets the user's taste requirements.

[0029] The sensor unit could, for example, have at least one, preferably exactly one, sensor element, which is provided in particular for the detection of the sensor parameter and could be of at least one, preferably exactly one, sensor type. Preferably, the sensor unit has at least one first sensor element and at least one, preferably different from the first, second sensor element, which are of different sensor types. A "sensor element" is understood to mean, in particular, an element of the sensor unit that has at least one detector of the sensor unit and which is provided, in particular by means of the detector, for the detection of the sensor parameter and / or which detects the sensor parameter in at least one operating state, in particular by means of the detector.At least one of the sensor elements could, for example, include at least one electrochemical sensor, such as at least one potentiometric sensor and / or at least one voltammetry-based sensor and / or at least one impedimetric sensor. At least one of the sensor elements could, for example, include at least one ion-sensitive sensor, such as at least one sensor referred to as an ISFET and / or an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor and / or at least one sensor referred to as an ISE and / or an ion-sensitive electrode. In particular, at least one of the sensor elements could, in particular alternatively or additionally, include at least one biosensor and / or at least one sensor referred to as a "lab-on-a-chip".

[0030] For example, the control unit could detect, in at least one operating state, a specific taste component of the food using each sensor element. Preferably, the control unit detects, in at least one operating state, at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least four, and particularly advantageously at least five taste components of the food using each sensor element. In particular, at least one, advantageously at least a majority, and preferably each of the sensor elements responds to at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least four, and particularly advantageously at least five taste components of the food.For example, the control unit could, in at least one operating state, detect at least one specific flavor component of the food, in particular the specific flavor component of the food, using the sensor elements in at least two different ways. For example, the control unit could, in at least one operating state, detect at least one flavor component of the food described as "salty" using the sensor elements, of which at least one has at least a temperature sensor and at least one has at least an electrical sensor, in at least two different ways. This allows, in particular, high flexibility with regard to the detection of the sensor parameter and / or the most precise possible detection of the sensor parameter, since various aspects and / or a wide detection range can be covered.

[0031] Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit, in at least one operating state, determines the food component by means of at least one result of a detection by the sensor elements, in particular by means of a result of a detection by the first sensor element and by means of a result of a detection by the second sensor element. In particular, the control unit considers at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least four, particularly advantageously at least five, and preferably more variables when determining the food component. At least two of the variables could, for example, be independent of each other. Alternatively or additionally, at least two of the variables could, for example, be dependent on each other and, in particular, at least partially reinforce and / or cancel each other out.This allows the component of the food to be determined particularly precisely, which in turn enables optimal support of the cooking process.

[0032] In particular, the food preparation system has at least one output unit, which is intended, in particular, to output at least one piece of information, especially to at least one operator. An "output unit" shall be understood to mean, in particular, a unit intended to provide an operator with at least one characteristic, such as information, a time indication, an instruction, an action prompt, or a selection, particularly visually, audibly, and / or haptically. The output unit could, in particular, be intended to output at least one acoustic signal and / or, in particular, at least one acoustic sequence, such as a ringtone, a warning signal, or a prompt, especially in the form of a pre-defined sentence.Alternatively or additionally, the output unit could be designed to provide an optical output, such as a display of at least one image and / or at least one text and / or at least one digit and / or at least one animation. For example, the output unit could include at least one loudspeaker. Alternatively or additionally, the output unit could include a display unit, in particular with at least one light source, advantageously an LED, and / or a display, in particular a backlit display, especially a matrix display and / or an LCD display, an OLED display and / or electronic paper. Advantageously, the output unit includes at least one liquid crystal display.

[0033] The food preparation system includes at least one user interface, which is intended for communication, particularly between the control unit and at least one operator. Specifically, the user interface is intended for user input, particularly by an operator. For example, the user interface could include at least one touch control. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface could include at least one acoustic input element, such as at least one microphone, which could be intended for acoustic input. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface could include at least one mechanical input element, such as at least one joystick and / or at least one keyboard and / or at least one mouse.In particular, the user interface and the output unit could be at least partially integrated. The phrase "at least partially integrated" means, in particular, that the first object has at least one element that is also part of the second object, and / or that the second object has at least one element that is also part of the first object. Specifically, the user interface and the output unit each have at least one, in particular at least two, and advantageously at least three common elements that are components, and in particular functionally important components, of both the user interface and the output unit.

[0034] Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit be designed to guide the user through at least one recipe, particularly via the output unit, and to take the food component into account during this process. This will result in a high level of user-friendliness. In particular, it will enable optimal preparation results, as the operator will be provided with at least one piece of information regarding the preparation outcome, especially the taste of the prepared food, in addition to standard information regarding time and / or temperature. This will allow the operator to prepare a food product that is optimally tailored to their taste.

[0035] A "recipe" shall be understood in particular to mean a temporal sequence of heating settings and / or other operating settings and / or instructions and / or recipe steps for the preparation of at least one foodstuff and / or at least one cooked item and / or at least one dish.

[0036] The recipe is specifically designed as a cooking recipe and / or a preparation recipe and / or a food preparation recipe. In particular, the recipe comprises at least two, more particularly at least three, advantageously at least four, particularly advantageously at least five, preferably at least six, and most preferably several recipe steps.

[0037] The heating settings could, for example, include at least a heating duration and / or at least a heating power and / or at least a heating temperature and / or at least one heating mode, such as roasting and / or boiling and / or steaming and / or simmering and / or melting and / or pressure cooking, particularly in a pressure cooker, and / or deep-frying and / or sautéing and / or poaching and / or baking and / or grilling. The operating settings could, for example, include at least a time period defining the overall duration of the recipe and / or at least a sequence of recipe steps and / or at least one type of output via the output unit, such as visual and / or audible.The dish could be characterized, in particular, by at least one ingredient composition, which could, in particular, define the entirety of all ingredients intended for the preparation of the dish and / or which could, in particular, be characterized by all ingredients intended for the preparation of the dish, specifically in terms of ingredient quantity and / or ingredient quality and / or food type and / or ingredient type. The omission of at least one ingredient and / or the modification of at least one ingredient could, in particular, result in a different dish. Specifically, the ingredient composition could be the entirety of all ingredients that could, in particular, be intended for joint cooking and / or processing and / or preparation, and which, in particular, could all be arranged in at least one, and advantageously the same, cooking vessel in at least one operating state.

[0038] A "recipe step" is understood to be, in particular, a subsection of a recipe that includes a defined duration and a defined process step, such as a heating step and / or a step involving interaction via the output unit and / or a step involving interaction via the user interface and / or a step involving the processing of at least one food item and / or a step involving the preparation of at least one food item. The duration is defined as either fixed and / or variable, such as depending on the time required for user input via the user interface. Specifically, the step involving interaction via the output unit and / or the step involving interaction via the user interface could be referred to as an interaction step.In particular, the step involving the processing of at least one food item could be called a processing step. In particular, the step involving the preparation of at least one food item could be called a food preparation step. The recipe step could, for example, be a heating step and / or a cooking step and / or a food preparation step and / or a food addition step and / or a food removal step. In particular, the recipe step differs from a query regarding the number of people for whom the recipe is intended, and in particular from a query regarding the number of portions to be prepared with the recipe.

[0039] The phrase "that the control unit is designed to guide the user through at least one recipe step via the output unit" means, in particular, that the control unit, in at least one operating state, prompts the user to perform at least one action and / or outputs at least one piece of information via the output unit, and / or that the control unit, in at least one operating state, automatically performs and / or initiates the recipe steps necessary for the execution of the recipe. "Automatically" means, in particular, self-operating and / or operating without requiring interaction via the user interface and / or without requiring any action by the user.

[0040] In particular, the control unit is designed to be guided by at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least five, particularly advantageously at least eight, preferably at least twelve, and particularly preferably a plurality of recipes, which are particularly distinct from one another. For example, at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least five, particularly advantageously at least eight, preferably at least twelve, and particularly preferably a plurality of recipes, which are particularly distinct from one another, could be stored in the control unit's storage unit and / or in at least one database, in particular on an external server, which the control unit could access, particularly in at least one operating state.

[0041] In particular, the determination of the food component by the control unit could be integrated into at least one recipe, advantageously into at least a large proportion of the recipes, and preferably into each of the recipes.

[0042] The phrase "that the control unit is designed to at least 'take into account' the food component when guiding the user through the recipe" means, in particular, that the control unit, when guiding the user through the recipe, outputs at least one piece of information and / or at least one seasoning recommendation for the food, and / or at least one prompt for a taste test of the food, and / or at least one prompt for feedback, especially to an operator and advantageously via the output unit and / or the operator interface, depending on the food component, and / or that the control unit, when guiding the user through the recipe, modifies and / or adapts and / or skips and / or cancels at least one recipe step depending on the food component.

[0043] For example, the control unit could, in at least one operating state, provide and / or output at least one recommendation regarding at least one ingredient and / or at least one spice, depending on the food component, and in particular both during and at the end of the recipe. The control unit could, in at least one operating state, determine at least one consistency of the food, depending on the food component, and output at least one piece of information, particularly regarding at least one ingredient and / or at least one adjustment to at least one composition, in particular the ingredient composition, of the food, depending on a change in the consistency of the food over time.

[0044] For example, the control unit could, in particular alternatively or additionally, determine at least one consistency of the food in at least one operating state depending on the component of the food and, in particular automatically, in particular at least one, in particular current, recipe step of the recipe and, in particular automatically, in particular proceed to at least one, in particular next, further recipe step of the recipe.

[0045] Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit, in at least one operating state, outputs at least one piece of information, particularly to an operator and advantageously via the output unit and / or the operator interface, depending on the determination of the food component. For example, the control unit could, in at least one operating state, output at least one piece of information regarding at least one flavor component of the food and / or regarding at least one ingredient used in the preparation of the food, particularly to an operator and advantageously via the output unit and / or the operator interface, depending on the determination of the food component.This allows the operator to be provided with a high level of information, particularly regarding the food and / or at least one recipe, which the control unit guides the operator through, thereby supporting the operator in particular in the preparation of the food, especially in addition to standard information regarding time and / or temperature, advantageously with regard to the preparation result, particularly with regard to the taste of the prepared food.

[0046] For example, the control unit could, in at least one operating state, issue at least one recommendation regarding at least one ingredient for preparing the food, particularly to an operator and advantageously via the output unit and / or the operator interface. Preferably, the control unit, in at least one operating state, issues at least one seasoning recommendation for the food, particularly to an operator and advantageously via the output unit and / or the operator interface. In particular, the seasoning recommendation includes at least one recommendation regarding the addition of at least one spice to the food. This allows, in particular, a flavor-optimized preparation result for the food to be achieved, thereby enabling, in particular, high operator satisfaction.

[0047] Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit, in at least one operating state, issue at least one prompt, particularly to an operator and advantageously via the output unit and / or the operator interface, to taste the food. This allows the operator, especially before the food preparation is complete, at least one opportunity to initiate any necessary corrections and / or changes and / or to influence the preparation result. In particular, this can achieve a high probability of a preparation result optimally tailored to the operator's needs.

[0048] Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit, in at least one operating state, issues at least one instruction, particularly to an operator and advantageously via the output unit and / or the operator interface, regarding at least one feedback, particularly from an operator. For example, depending on the feedback, particularly from the operator, the control unit could, in the operating state, save at least one new recipe, particularly with at least one new component of the food, specifically in the storage unit and / or in the database, particularly on the external server.The control unit could, in the operating state, in particular alternatively or additionally, for example, issue at least a prompt regarding saving as a new recipe before the recipe is actually saved, and in particular, depending on a user input regarding saving as a new recipe, save at least a new recipe, in particular with at least one new food component. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit could, in the operating state, automatically save at least one new recipe, in particular with at least one new food component. In particular, depending on feedback, in particular from the operator, the control unit could adapt at least one future preparation of the food to the operator's needs and / or take the feedback, in particular from the operator, into account in at least one future preparation of the food.This can, in particular, lead to an improvement in the preparation of the food.

[0049] Furthermore, it is proposed that the control unit be designed to detect the sensor parameter in at least one operating state at, in particular, regular intervals of a maximum of 600 s, more specifically a maximum of 500 s, advantageously a maximum of 400 s, particularly advantageously a maximum of 300 s, preferably a maximum of 200 s, and particularly preferably a maximum of 120 s. In particular, the control unit is designed to detect the sensor parameter in at least one operating state at, in particular, regular intervals of at least 1 s, more specifically a minimum of 3 s, advantageously a minimum of 5 s, particularly advantageously a minimum of 10 s, preferably a minimum of 30 s, and particularly preferably a minimum of 60 s. The control unit detects the sensor parameter in this operating state at, in particular, regular intervals using the sensor unit.This allows for a particularly flexible response to changes in the composition of the food and / or to spontaneous events, thereby enabling a high degree of flexibility and / or an optimal preparation result.

[0050] The control unit could, for example, be configured at least partially as a mobile device control unit and, in particular, be integrated at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, and most advantageously completely into at least one mobile device, especially the food preparation system. For example, the control unit could be configured at least partially as a cooking appliance control unit and, in particular, be integrated at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, and most advantageously completely into the cooking appliance. Preferably, the food preparation system comprises at least one cooking appliance, in particular at least one induction cooking appliance, advantageously at least one cooktop, and preferably at least one induction cooktop, which includes the control unit.Advantageously, the control unit is at least partially designed as a device control unit and, in particular, is at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, and especially advantageously completely integrated into at least one device. In particular, the device control unit is at least partially, in particular at least to a large extent, and advantageously completely integrated into at least one control unit of a device. The phrase "at least partially" means that an object is designed as a device object, and in particular is integrated into the device object. For example, at least one further sub-object of the object could be designed as a device object different from a device object, such as a mobile device object.The phrase "designed as a device-object" means, in particular, that the object is integrated, at least to a large extent and advantageously completely, into at least one device. "Device" is understood to mean, in particular, a cooking appliance and / or an induction cooking appliance and / or a cooktop and / or an induction cooktop. The cooking appliance could, for example, be at least one oven, such as a range and / or a conventional oven. Alternatively or additionally, the cooking appliance could be, for example, a microwave and / or a grill and / or a steam cooker. Advantageously, the cooking appliance is a cooktop and preferably an induction cooktop. This allows, in particular, for a smaller number of components and / or reduced inventory.

[0051] The food preparation system is not limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the food preparation system may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, and units than specified herein.

[0052] Further advantages become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0053] They show: Fig. 1 a food preparation system with a cooking vessel and with a cooking device in a schematic top view, Fig. 2 a section of the food preparation system with the cooking vessel and with the cooking device in a schematic sectional view and Fig. 3 a diagram of a guide through a recipe in a schematic representation.

[0054] Figure 1Figure 1 shows in particular a food preparation system 10a, which in particular comprises a cooking appliance 30a. The cooking appliance 30a could, for example, be at least one oven, such as a stove and / or a conventional oven. Alternatively or additionally, the cooking appliance 30a could, for example, be a microwave and / or a grill and / or a steam cooker. Advantageously, in the present embodiment, the cooking appliance 30a is configured as a cooktop. In particular, the cooking appliance 30a is configured as an induction cooktop. Advantageously, in the present embodiment, the food preparation system 10a is configured as a cooking system.

[0055] The cooking appliance 30a has, in particular, at least one and advantageously exactly one appliance plate 32a. In the present embodiment, the appliance plate 32a is designed, in particular, as a mounting plate and advantageously as a cooktop plate. In at least one assembled state, the appliance plate 32a forms, in particular, part of an appliance outer housing, especially a cooktop outer housing, specifically of the cooking appliance 30a and advantageously of the cooktop outer housing. In the present embodiment, the appliance plate 32a is designed, in particular, for mounting cooking utensils 12a.

[0056] The food preparation system 10a includes, in particular, at least one heating unit 36a (see Figure 2In the present embodiment, the food preparation system 10a has, in particular, a plurality of heating units 36a. Only one of the heating units 36a will be described below. The heating unit 36a is arranged in an installation position, in particular below the appliance plate 32a. In at least one assembled state, the heating unit 36a is integrated, in particular, into the cooking appliance 30a, advantageously into the cooktop. The heating unit 36a is specifically designed to heat cooking vessels 12a placed on the appliance plate 32a above the heating unit 36a. The cooking appliance 30a, in particular the cooktop, has, in particular, the heating unit 36a.

[0057] The food preparation system 10a has in particular at least one and advantageously exactly one operator interface 28a (see Figure 1The operator interface 28a is provided in particular for the input and / or selection of operating parameters, such as heating power and / or heating power density and / or a heating zone. The operator interface 28a is provided in particular for output, for example, acoustic output and advantageously optical output, of at least one operating parameter and / or at least one value of an operating parameter, particularly to an operator. In at least one assembled state, the operator interface 28a is integrated in particular into the cooking appliance 30a, advantageously into the cooktop. The cooking appliance 30a, in particular the cooktop, has in particular the operator interface 28a.

[0058] The food preparation system 10a has, in particular, at least one and advantageously exactly one dispensing unit 26a. The dispensing unit 26a is, in particular, at least partially formed integrally with the operator interface 28a. In particular, the dispensing unit 26a is part of the operator interface 28a. The operator interface 28a, in particular, includes the dispensing unit 26a.

[0059] The output unit 26a is designed, in particular, for output to an operator, especially optical output. In the present embodiment, the output unit 26a specifically comprises a liquid crystal display. Alternatively or additionally, the output unit 26a could, for example, be designed for acoustic and / or haptic output to an operator.

[0060] In at least one assembled state, the dispensing unit 26a is integrated, in particular, into the cooking appliance 30a, specifically into the cooktop. The dispensing unit 26a is, in particular, part of the cooking appliance 30a, specifically the cooktop. Alternatively, the dispensing unit 26a could, for example, be partially integrated into the cooking appliance 30a and / or, in particular, partially integrated into at least one mobile unit of the food preparation system 10a and / or advantageously partially integrated into the cooking vessel 12a. In particular, the cooking appliance 30a, specifically the cooktop, has the dispensing unit 26a in the present embodiment.

[0061] The food preparation system 10a has, in particular, at least one, and advantageously exactly one, control unit 18a. The control unit 18a is specifically designed to execute actions and / or change settings depending on operating parameters entered via the user interface 28a. In at least one operating state, the control unit 18a regulates, in particular, the energy supply to the heating unit 36a. In at least one assembled state, the control unit 18a is integrated, in particular, into the cooking appliance 30a, advantageously into the cooktop. The cooking appliance 30a, in particular the cooktop, specifically includes the control unit 18a.

[0062] The control unit 18a is provided, in particular by means of the heating unit 36a, for heating the cooking vessel 12a. The food preparation system 10a has, in particular, at least one cooking vessel 12a, advantageously the cooking vessel 12a. The cooking vessel 12a has, in particular, at least one food receiving chamber 14a for receiving at least one food item (cf. Figure 2 The cooking vessel 12a is intended in particular to be placed on the appliance plate 32a, and in particular at any position of at least one cooking surface 34a defined by the appliance plate 32a, in particular the cooking area.

[0063] In particular, the cooking vessel 12a has at least one cooking vessel base 38a. The cooking vessel base 38a, in particular, at least partially delimits the food receiving space 14a. The cooking vessel 12a, in particular, has at least one cooking vessel lid 40a. The cooking vessel lid 40a is, in particular, associated with the cooking vessel base 38a. In particular, the cooking vessel lid 40a, in the operating state, delimits the food receiving space 14a at least partially. In the operating state, the cooking vessel 12a, in particular the cooking vessel base 38a and the cooking vessel lid 40a, delimits the food receiving space 14a, in particular at least to a large extent, advantageously at least substantially, and most advantageously completely.

[0064] The food preparation system 10a has, in particular, at least one and advantageously exactly one sensor unit 16a. The sensor unit 16a is designed to detect at least one sensor parameter from the food receiving chamber 14a, in particular as a function of control by the control unit 18a. In particular, the control unit 18a detects the sensor parameter from the food receiving chamber 14a by means of the sensor unit 16a in the operating state.

[0065] In this operating state, the control unit 18a detects, in particular, the sensor parameter at regular intervals of a maximum of 120 s using the sensor unit 16a. In this operating state, the control unit 18a also detects, in particular, the sensor parameter at regular intervals of at least 60 s using the sensor unit 16a.

[0066] It is particularly advantageous that the sensor unit 16a is at least partially integrated into the cooking vessel 12a, and in particular into the cooking vessel base 38a of the cooking vessel 12a. The sensor unit 16a delimits the food intake space 14a, in particular at least section by section.

[0067] In particular, the sensor unit 16a in the present embodiment has at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least four, particularly advantageously at least five, and preferably more sensor surfaces 20a. Of the sensor surfaces 20a, only two are shown in the figures. In the following, only one of the sensor surfaces 20a will be described.

[0068] The sensor area 20a, in particular, delimits the food intake space 14a, at least in sections. In particular, the sensor unit 16a, especially for each sensor area 20a, has at least one element 42a which, in particular, defines and / or forms the sensor area 20a at least partially, advantageously at least to a large extent, and preferably completely. In the following, only one of the elements 42a will be described.

[0069] In particular, the element 42a is integrated into the cooking vessel base 38a and advantageously into at least one wall of the cooking vessel base 38a that delimits the food receiving chamber 14a. In the present embodiment, the element 42a is specifically designed as an electrode.

[0070] The sensor unit 16a comprises, in particular, at least one first sensor element 22a and, in particular, at least one second sensor element 24a. In particular, in the present embodiment, the sensor unit 16a comprises, in particular, at least two, in particular at least three, advantageously at least four, particularly advantageously at least five, and preferably more sensor elements 22a, 24a. Of the sensor elements 22a, 24a, only two are shown in the figures. In the following, only two of the sensor elements 22a, 24a will be described, specifically only the first sensor element 22a and the second sensor element 24a.

[0071] In particular, the first sensor element 22a is at least partially and advantageously completely formed integrally with the element 42a. The first sensor element 22a is in particular designed as an electrode.

[0072] In particular, the second sensor element 24a is at least partially and advantageously completely formed integrally with the element 42a. The second sensor element 24a is particularly designed as an electrode.

[0073] The first sensor element 22a and the second sensor element 24a are advantageously of different sensor types. For example, the first sensor element 22a could comprise at least one electrochemical sensor. The second sensor element 24a could, for example, comprise at least one ion-sensitive sensor. In particular, at least one of the sensor elements 22a, 24a could, alternatively or additionally, comprise at least one biosensor and / or at least one sensor referred to as a "lab-on-a-chip".

[0074] The control unit 18a and the sensor unit 16a are designed for communication, particularly wireless communication. Specifically, the sensor unit 16a, and in particular each sensor element 22a, 24a, has at least one communication unit 64a for communication with the control unit 18a (see...). Figure 2 In particular, the control unit 18a has at least one communication unit 66a for communication with the sensor unit 16a (see Figure 1 ).

[0075] In particular, the control unit 18a is designed to determine at least one component of the foodstuff by means of the sensor unit 16a, specifically based on a detection of the sensor parameter by the sensor unit 16a and / or on the result of a detection by the sensor elements 22a, 24a. In the operating state, the control unit 18a determines the component of the foodstuff, particularly as a function of a detection of the sensor parameter by the sensor unit 16a. Advantageously, the control unit 18a determines the component of the foodstuff in the operating state at least by means of a result of a detection by the sensor elements 22a, 24a.

[0076] In particular, the control unit 18a detects at least one specific atom of the foodstuff in the operating state using the sensor unit 16a. In the operating state, the control unit 18a detects at least one specific flavor component of the foodstuff using the sensor unit 16a. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 18a could determine the specific flavor component of the foodstuff in the operating state, particularly based on the detection of the atom of the foodstuff.

[0077] In this operating state, the control unit 18a guides the user, in particular the output unit 26a, through at least one recipe. The control unit 18a takes the food component into account when guiding the user through the recipe. The recipe guidance is described below using the following examples: Figure 3 describe.

[0078] In particular, in at least one initial step 44a, the control unit 18a determines at least one personal characteristic, especially of an operator, in the operating state. In the present embodiment, the control unit 18a determines the personal characteristic, especially by means of a user profile, in the operating state. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 18a could, for example, issue at least one operating request in the operating state, especially via the output unit 26a and / or via the operator interface 28a, and determine the personal characteristic, especially by means of at least one operator input, especially via the operator interface 28a.

[0079] For example, the personal characteristic could include at least an attitude towards a particular taste and / or at least an attitude towards spicy food and / or at least an attitude towards salty food and / or at least an attitude towards a certain calorie intake. Alternatively or additionally, the personal characteristic could, for example, include at least one medical characteristic, which could, in particular, indicate at least one allergy and / or at least one food intolerance and / or at least one illness of an operator.

[0080] In particular, the control unit 18a, especially in at least one selection step 46a, outputs at least a selection of recipes in the operating state, especially via the output unit 26a and / or via the operator interface 28a. Depending on an operator input, especially via the operator interface 28a, the control unit 18a selects at least one recipe in the operating state, especially in selection step 46a.

[0081] For example, the control unit 18a, particularly in at least one adjustment step 48a, could adapt the selected recipe based on the personal characteristic, such as adjusting at least the salt content, particularly in the case of an operator suffering from at least one heart condition and / or at least one kidney condition, and / or adjusting at least the sugar content, particularly in the case of an operator suffering from diabetes, and / or adjusting at least the pepper content. The control unit 18a could, for example, in the operating state, particularly in adjustment step 48a, monitor and / or control at least one ingredient component of the food, particularly one critical to health, using the sensor unit 16a, based on the personal characteristic, and in particular ensure at least a desired preparation result.The ingredient content of the food could be, for example, salt and / or sugar and / or pepper.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, in particular to adapting the recipe, the control unit 18a could, in the operating state, in particular output at least one piece of information, in particular to an operator and advantageously via the output unit 26a and / or via the operator interface 28a, regarding at least one alternative preparation and / or regarding at least one alternative ingredient and / or regarding at least one alternative quantity of ingredients.

[0083] In particular, during at least one addition step 50a, the control unit 18a, in the operating state, prompts an operator to add at least one ingredient to the food receiving chamber 14a. Depending on the addition of the ingredient to the food receiving chamber 14a, the control unit 18a proceeds to at least one cooking step 52a. In cooking step 52a, the control unit 18a cooks the food located in the food receiving chamber 14a, in particular by means of the heating unit 36a.

[0084] In particular, in at least one test step 54a, the control unit 18a checks, in the operating state, particularly depending on the food component, whether a specific taste component of the food and / or a specific consistency of the food has been achieved. In the operating state, the control unit 18a, particularly in test step 54a, outputs at least one piece of information, particularly to an operator and advantageously via the output unit 26a and / or via the operator interface 28a, depending on the determination of the food component, specifically regarding at least one specific taste component of the food and / or regarding at least one specific consistency of the food and / or regarding at least one specific ingredient and / or ingredient composition of the food.

[0085] In particular, in at least one test step 56a, the control unit 18a, in the operating state, issues at least one instruction, particularly to an operator, to taste the food, via the output unit 26a and / or the operator interface 28a. The control unit 18a, in the operating state, particularly in test step 56a, issues at least one instruction, particularly to an operator, and advantageously via the output unit 26a and / or the operator interface 28a, regarding at least one piece of feedback.

[0086] In particular, in the case of negative feedback, by which an operator transmits their dissatisfaction with the cooking result to the control unit 18a, the control unit 18a, in the operating state, enters at least one seasoning step 58a. In the seasoning step 58a, the control unit 18a, in the operating state, outputs at least one seasoning recommendation for the food, preferably to an operator and advantageously via the output unit 26a and / or the operator interface 28a. Depending on an operator input regarding the seasoning recommendation, the control unit 18a enters at least one further test step 60a.

[0087] In particular, in the case of positive feedback, by which an operator transmits his satisfaction with the cooking result achieved to the control unit 18a, the control unit 18a in the operating state in particular goes into the, in particular further, test step 60a.

[0088] In this operating state, the control unit 18a checks the recipe for completion, particularly in the subsequent check step 60a. Specifically, if at least one further recipe step is detected, the control unit 18a proceeds to the addition step 50a in this operating state.

[0089] In particular, upon confirmation that the recipe is complete, the control unit 18a, in its operating state, transitions to at least one completion step 62a. In completion step 62a, the control unit 18a, in its operating state, issues at least one instruction, particularly to an operator, to taste the food, via the output unit 26a and / or the operator interface 28a. The control unit 18a, in its operating state, particularly in completion step 62a, issues at least one instruction, particularly to an operator, and advantageously via the output unit 26a and / or the operator interface 28a, regarding at least one piece of feedback.

[0090] In this operating state, the control unit 18a stores at least one new recipe, particularly one with a new food component, advantageously in at least one storage unit of the control unit 18a (not shown), depending in particular on operator feedback. Specifically, the operator transmits at least their consent to the storage of the new recipe by means of operator feedback. Reference sign

[0091] 10 Food preparation system 12 Cooking vessel 14 Food intake chamber 16 Sensor unit 18 Control unit 20 Sensor area 22 First sensor element 24 Second sensor element 26 Dispensing unit 28 Operator interface 30 Cooking appliance 32 Appliance plate 34 Cooking surface 36 Heating unit 38 Cooking vessel base 40 Cooking vessel lid 42 Element 44 Initial step 46 Selection step 48 Adjustment step 50 Addition step 52 Cooking step 54 Check step 56 Test step 58 Seasoning step 60 Check step 62 Completion step 64 Communication unit 66 Communication unit

Claims

1. Food preparation system with at least one item of cookware (12a), which has at least one food receiving compartment (14a) for receiving at least one food, with at least one sensor unit (16a) which is provided to detect at least one sensor variable from the food receiving compartment (14a) and which is integrated at least partially in the item of cookware (12a), and with at least one control unit (18a), which is provided to determine at least one component of the food by means of the sensor unit (16a), wherein the sensor unit (16a) has at least one sensor surface (20a), which delimits the food receiving compartment (14a) together with at least one wall of the item of cookware (12a), characterised in that the control unit (18a) is provided to detect at least one specific taste component of the food by means of the sensor unit (16a).

2. Food preparation system according to claim 1, characterised in that the control unit (18a) is provided to detect at least one specific atom of the food by means of the sensor unit (16a).

3. Food preparation system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the sensor unit (16a) has at least one first sensor element (22a) and at least one second sensor element (24a), which are of a different sensor type.

4. Food preparation system according to claim 3, characterised in that in at least one operating state, the control unit (18a) determines the component of the food at least by means of a result of a detection of the sensor elements (22a, 24a).

5. Food preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control unit (18a) is provided to guide through at least one recipe and during the guidance through the recipe to at least take into account the component of the food.

6. Food preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in at least one operating state the control unit (18a) outputs at least one item of information as a function of the determination of the component of the food.

7. Food preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in at least one operating state the control unit (18a) outputs at least one seasoning recommendation for the food.

8. Food preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in at least one operating state the control unit (18a) outputs at least one control prompt with respect to a taste test of the food.

9. Food preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in at least one operating state the control unit (18a) outputs at least one control prompt in respect of at least one feedback.

10. Food preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in at least one operating state the control unit (18a) is provided to detect the component of the food at time intervals of at most 600 s by means of the sensor unit (16a).

11. Food preparation system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised by at least one cooking appliance (30a) which has the control unit (18a).

Images